Tuesday, October 25, 2011

{But you already knew that.}
A while back, I wrote a post about making templates for cookie shapes when you don't have a cutter. I was making them with clean cardstock or cutting up a new manila file folder.

Well, I got a sweet email from a reader who suggested I use plastic made for quilting templates.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

A. Using this method, the templates are reusable and WASHABLE!
B. My mom, who was a quilter, would have just loved this!

It's how I make all of my templates now. All you do is...
go to the fabric store and buy the template plastic,

place the image to be traced underneath the plastic,

trace (I like a Sharpie),

cut out (I used my "good" scissors just for you guys).

Voila! A cookie template you can use over and over again. Works for me!

**Dear sweet reader who sent in the tip, please let me know who you are in the comments, so I can give you proper credit.**

I do the same thing but I use the little cutting mats. They're sold in packs with different colors for the different types of food. A little thicker than plastic lids so they hold up better and they are easy to wash!

Thanks for sharing! I'll have to check Jo-Ann's and see if the quilting mats are cheaper.

I recently read somewhere that you can cut a strip of metal from a soda can, bend it into the shape you need and either tape or glue the ends together to make your own cookie cutter. I'm thinking of trying it, but am wondering about how to make the side you push down on not so sharp. Any ideas?

That is a fabulous idea....I aways used those flimsy little plastic cutting boards...but sometime they are super difficult to find...I know I can get this at any local craft store!! THANKS for sharing :)

When I used to make my hand cut cookies, I would draw the design on a manilla file folder (1 thickness) and then laminate and cut. Same principal I think. Gave the template stability and washability too. I have folders and folders of them. I can't seem to make myself throw them away :)

I've been doing this for years. I like to use my stencil cutter, they are especially good for small detail cuts. Use this method for masks and stencils for air brushing on cake, cookies, etc. Thanks for sharing an old favorite tip.